How to Get a USA (American) IP Address in 2024

The easiest way to get a US IP address is by using a VPN service. More precisely, a VPN will replace your current IP address with a US-based one, forcing websites and apps to think that you come from the United States. 

Since US IP addresses are so popular, practically every VPN provider offers servers in the United States. However, not all of them are equally powerful. Our recommendation is to pick a VPN with multiple server locations across the US, letting you obtain a regional IP address, like one from New York, California, Florida, or any other US state.

After testing dozens of VPN services, we know which ones are your best bet. That said, this guide will teach you how to get an American IP address through a simple step-by-step guide. We'll also show you the best VPNs that come with USA IP addresses, while also answering many questions about the use and legality of obtaining a United States IP address from abroad.

How to Get a US IP Address from Anywhere

To get a US IP address, you need to connect to a VPN server based in the United States, which is a very easy procedure. Just follow these steps:

1. Subscribe to a VPN service with US-based servers (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Download and install the VPN app on your device. 
3. Launch the VPN app and log in with your credentials.
4. Using your VPN’s home screen, connect to a server located in the US.
5. That’s it! Open your Web browser and visit any site restricted to the US only.

Need more detailed instructions? Don’t worry; we got you covered! Here’s our step-by-step guide explaining how to use a VPN to change your IP address.

Best VPNs to Get a USA IP Address

The best USA VPN must, naturally, bring a whole slate of servers scattered across the United States. However, your chosen VPN should be backed by a no-logs policy, which means your online activity will remain hidden from anyone. And based on what you plan to use a VPN for, ensure that it has optimized servers for media streaming (if you wish to unblock US-based streaming services), torrenting (if you wish to download torrents anonymously), or gaming (if you wish to connect to US servers on your gaming device).

Based on the criteria explained above, these are the 3 best VPNs to get a USA IP address:

1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated VPN for US IP Addresses
2. ExpressVPN – Best for Getting Highly-Secure US IPs
3. CyberGhost VPN – Best for Media Streaming & Gaming

1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated VPN for US IP Addresses

VPN Protocols	OpenVPN, NordLynx, IKEv2.
VPN Encryption	Up to AES-256 (ultra-strong).
US-Based Servers	YES (17+ locations, 100s of servers).
US-Based Dedicated IPs	YES.
Money-Back Guarantees	Up to 30 days.

NordVPN is an award-winning and highly reputable VPN, being available on the global market for more than a decade now. As such, it comes with a compelling set of features that seem perfect for more demanding users. 

Like our other recommendations, NordVPN also offers native software for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and plenty more. Installing it is a piece of cake, and it shouldn't take more than a couple of minutes. You also get up to 6 simultaneous connections. 

Of course, let's not forget to mention NordVPN's US-based servers. You'll find hundreds of those in Atlanta, Buffalo, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, New Jersey, Miami, New York, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, and St. Louis.

Many of those are specialized servers, which is one of NordVPN's bestselling points. We're talking about Onion over VPN, Double VPN, and Obfuscated servers here. You'll also find servers that let you access P2P networks. In other words, plenty of options overall.

Of course, NordVPN goes beyond giving you an American IP address. It unblocks a wide range of websites as it's backed up by high-end VPN protocols. So, if you want to access new streaming services or wish to use your banking apps abroad, NordVPN will deliver. 

In case of any questions, you'll get to turn to NordVPN's 24/7 live chat support. On top of that, your purchase is protected by NordVPN's 30-day money-back guarantee.

2. ExpressVPN – Best for Getting Highly-Secure US IPs

VPN Protocols	OpenVPN, Lightway, L2TP/IPsec, IKEv2.
VPN Encryption	Up to AES-256 (ultra-strong).
US-Based Servers	YES (15+ locations, 100s of servers).
US-Based Dedicated IPs	NO.
Money-Back Guarantees	Up to 30 days.

Without any doubt, ExpressVPN is the best VPN available today that allows you to get a US IP address instantly. It comes with a great set of features, and it's suitable for both beginners and advanced users.

First of all, this VPN is compatible with over 60 devices and platforms. You can use it on your computer, smartphone, tablet, and media streaming devices, and you can even install it on a router. Aside from that, ExpressVPN allows up to 8 simultaneous connections. 

Next, it offers over 3,000 VPN servers, many of which are found in the US. More precisely, you’ll find servers in Albuquerque, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Lincoln Park, Los Angeles, Miami, New Jersey, New York, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Santa Monica, Seattle, Tampa, and Washington DC.

ExpressVPN delivers when it comes to performance as well. Since it comes with a range of VPN protocols, you can fine-tune your connection and reach the fastest possible speeds. There's no in-depth fine-tuning available, but you'll be happy with what's on offer. 

We’ll also mention that ExpressVPN unblocks pretty much any website restricted to the US only. It works great with Netflix, Hulu, and Disney Plus. And lastly, you can count on its 24/7 live chat support as well as a generous 30-day money-back policy.

3. CyberGhost VPN – Best for Media Streaming & Gaming

VPN Protocols	OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard.
VPN Encryption	Up to AES-256 (ultra-strong).
US-Based Servers	YES (10+ locations, 100s of servers).
US-Based Dedicated IPs	YES
Money-Back Guarantees	Up to 45 days.

And finally, our list of the best US VPNs wouldn’t be complete without CyberGhost VPN. This is a highly optimized VPN for streaming, torrenting, and gaming. So, if you’re after any of those activities, here’s what to know about this recommendation.

First of all, know that CyberGhost VPN supports up to 7 simultaneous connections. You won’t have a problem meeting that limitation as this VPN works on any device out there. Its native apps are polished and available on any platform.

Another interesting thing about CyberGhost is its server network. It has over 9,500 servers in total. However, you can get a US IP address associated with Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Phoenix, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington. 

Just like our previous recommendation (NordVPN), CyberGhost also gives you the option to get a dedicated US IP address. That gives you an even greater shot at bypassing robust anti-VPN systems from any county in the world. 

However, it’s also good to keep in mind that you’ll get a range of specialized servers. Those are designed to unblock US-based streaming services, including some niche options. There are also servers optimized for torrenting and gaming (on Windows only).

The only downside to CyberGhost is its performance. Unless you’re willing to switch between protocols and try different servers manually, you’ll encounter limited speeds. Still, you can do plenty to improve that. 

On the more positive side, CyberGhost comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee. And, just like our other recommendations for the best VPNs with US IP addresses, this one has 24/7 live chat support as well.

What Is a US IP Address? 

A US IP address is an IP address associated with an Internet service provider or data center originating from the United States.

Since you're looking to get a US IP address, you're probably looking to access websites or apps that are available in that country only. We are talking about public IP addresses here, which is what websites can see and read as you access them. That’s one of the ways for third-party sites to determine your location.

You might also wonder how an IP address points to a specific country. Well, know that IANA (Internet Assignment Numbers Authority) is in charge of managing IP addresses. That happens with the help of RIRs (Regional Internet Registries). One of those is called ARIN, in charge of assigning IPs across North America, handing out IPs in smaller blocks to ISPs (Internet Service Providers) in their region(s). 

Why Do You Need a US IP Address?

You need a US IP if you want to access restricted websites, access new streaming services, or use US-based banking apps outside the country. Find more info just below. 

• Access Restricted Websites: A number of American websites are blocked abroad for various reasons. For example, China blocks access to Google, YouTube, and Facebook. In the UAE, access to Skype is blocked. A United States IP address helps you unblock those.
• Access New Streaming Services: Unless you’re in the US, you won’t be able to access streaming services bounded by the country’s borders. However, once you start using a VPN, you’ll eliminate those geo-blocks. To give you an idea of how that works, here’s how to watch HBO Max, USA Network, Showtime Anytime, and BBC America outside the US.
• Unblock Online Banking Outside the US: As a way to safeguard their systems, banks make their websites and online banking services available in a single country only. So, once you start traveling abroad, you could have a hard time accessing your account. Of course, you’ll need an American IP to bypass that obstacle. 

Is Using a US IP Address Legal? 

Yes, it’s legal to obtain and use a USA IP address. That’s because using VPNs is legal as well, which means there’s nothing to be worried about.

Your IP address is a critical piece of data, identifying your device on the Web. Without it, you won't be able to do anything online. However, unless you have a static IP address assigned by your ISP (which is typically a feature paid extra), your devices get randomly assigned IPs that are also rotated from time to time. 

With that said, even though your IP is a highly important piece of data, you’re not obliged to use the same IP all the time. There’s nothing illegal in changing it or even replacing it with some other country’s IP address. 

What Should I Look for in a US VPN Service? 

A reliable and capable US VPN service must offer plenty of servers, fast speeds, and the ability to support your planned online activities. Here’s what else to keep in mind.

• Sizeable US-Based Server Fleet: As explained above, you need a server in the United States to get a US IP address. So, it's imperative to check whether your chosen VPN offers plenty of servers, including where precisely those servers are found.
• Performance-Related Optimizations: You can expect relatively fast speeds if you connect to your VPN from countries like Canada or Mexico. However, if you plan to connect to a US VPN server from somewhere remote, the speed of your Web connection will go down. So, make sure to read hands-on reviews to learn what to expect from certain VPNs. 
• Proven VPN Protocols: Having access to multiple VPN protocols allows you to fine-tune your VPN connection's speed and security. Having more than a single protocol is beneficial for other reasons as well (unblocking websites, bypassing anti-VPN measures), so make sure to know what you will get. 
• Privacy-Respecting Policies & Terms: Pick a VPN that won't take advantage of your privacy and trust. That said, finding a VPN that offers servers in the US is relatively easy. Still, finding one that also promises not to use those servers maliciously is a whole different story. For more information, read our guide to the best no-logs VPN services.
• Generous & Relaxed Money-Back Policy: Lastly, know that buying a VPN should not be a risky endeavor. Instead, you can count on money-back policies (up to 45 days, in some cases). That means that you'll reserve your right to change your mind without losing your money. 

Can I Get an IP Address from a Specific US City? 

Yes, you can get an IP from a specific US city – but only if you use a VPN service that gives you that option. In other words, not all VPNs provide that possibility. 

As mentioned above, our recommendation would be NordVPN since it allows you to pick from 15+ different cities scattered across the United States. Connecting to any of those will give you a local USA IP address.

Getting an IP from a specific US city is useful even for those currently residing in the US. That's how you can bypass sports blackouts, for example. For more info, here’s how to bypass blackouts of NBA League Pass, NFL Game Pass, NHL, and MLB.

How Do I Know If I’m Connected to a US IP Address? 

You can check whether you’re connected to a US IP address by using websites that read your location based on your IP, such as DNSLeakTest.com. 

Use the link we’ve provided just above and wait a couple of moments. The website will scan your IP address and show your location. Of course, if you’re connected to a VPN server in the US, it should point to that country. That means you'll hide your IP address - making your US IP visible.

To evaluate your VPN connection further and check for any leaks, we recommend using the ‘Extended Test’ button on DNSLeakTest’s website. That way, you can ensure that all your traffic is routed through US-based servers, not revealing your location at any point.

Is It Possible to Use an American IP Address to Watch Netflix? 

Yes, it’s possible to use a US IP to unblock the version of Netflix available in the United States only. Here's how to get more content on Netflix using a VPN, which includes a handy guide.

Furthermore, any capable VPN will help you unblock other Netflix versions as well. In an instant, any of the VPNs recommended in this guide will let you access the Canadian, British, French, German, and Japanese versions of Netflix. 

Also, keep in mind that to watch the US version of Netflix, you really do need a powerful VPN, as that streaming service has capable anti-VPN systems. In other words, to avoid Netflix’s proxy error, rely on a VPN such as NordVPN. 

How Can I Get a US IP Address Without a VPN? 

To get an American IP without a VPN, you can try using a proxy or Tor browser. However, those methods can be quite unreliable, especially in the long term.

When it comes to proxies, they are designed to re-route your Web traffic, similarly to how VPNs work. However, since there's no encryption involved, third parties can easily intercept your data and reveal your actual location. In other words, proxies might be helpful, but only if you want to access US-based websites with weak geo-blocks.

And when it comes to the Tor browser, it works by relaying your data through a series of nodes. So, you will change your IP address and even hide your location. Still, there's no way to pick a specific node, which happens randomly. 

To learn more, here’s our guide on how to change your IP without a VPN. However, keep in mind that nothing can replace a VPN service, which remains your best option right now.

Can I Get a US IP Address for Free? 

Yes, you can get a US IP address for free by using a free VPN service. Still, know that doing that can be quite risky, so let’s explain why. 

Free VPN services have limited bandwidth, limited performance, and strict data allowances. That's what prevents you from using a free VPN for anything more than a quick Web browsing session. However, even then, you'll see that websites will block your access, as free VPNs typically use less capable protocols. 

Aside from that, free VPNs can endanger your privacy by leaking your data. If you want to learn more, here’s why free VPNs aren’t safe to use. Still, if you insist on using one, consult our list of the best free VPN services available right now.

Final Thoughts

The Internet is filled with all kinds of shady guides on how to get a US IP. However, the only reliable way to obtain a USA IP, as shown in this guide, is through a VPN service. On top of that, a VPN will help you unblock US-based websites, preserve your privacy, and plenty more.

Of course, not all VPNs are equally powerful. That's why our recommendation is NordVPN, which presents the most streamlined way to obtain a United States IP address. On top of that, it's great even for beginners, ensuring your privacy is protected in a bulletproof way.

That would be all on how to get a US IP address. If you have any questions, make sure to let us know via the comments section below. And finally – thank you for reading!